A year later, amid terror fears surrounding the ​upcoming ​ Delhi Commonwealth Games, Samuels was “physically sick” with nerves and became the first athlete to pull out.

Whether connected or coincidental, the withdrawal began a three-year stretch of ​poor results for Samuels in major championships.

Just two years after being world No.1, Samuels failed to finish in the top 10 at the 2011 World Championships, ​ and likewise at​ the London Olympics ​and​ the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

“I was really, really disappointed with my performance in Moscow. I didn't think that I was ever going to not make the top eight, so it really fired me up,” Samuels said.

Samuels found strong form on the Diamond League circuit this year and fuelled with renewed confidence, continued it in the Commonwealth Games.

Asked about the stark differences in preparation between 2010 and 2014, Samuels said: “We are in Glasgow in 2014. That's pretty much how I feel about it.”

Australia's Dani Samuels winds up in the discus circle on her way to gold.Source:AFP

“In 2010 we always said it could down to the day we were due to get on the plane if we would, or if we wouldn't, get on the plane,” she said.

“It was a decision my coach and I made together. It wasn't like it was a lead-up all year. We were thinking about it, but this year is completely different.

“We are in Glasgow four years later and I just won the gold medal.”

Samuels said she'd battled with confidence in the past few years, brought on by the ​huge expectations she placed on herself.​

“I felt like I had the control but I wasn't able to perform under pressure. I put too much pressure on myself,” she said.

“I still get nervous like anyone, but it's being able to control those nerves and still throwing well while you're shaking while you're winding up.

“It's a great feeling. It is nice to feel confident going out there, because I have had a few years where I haven't felt that confident. It is nice to go out there and control the situation.”

Australia's Dani Samuels celebrates winning the final of the women's discus.Source:AFP

Samuels threw 67.99 metres in May and is ranked No.2 in the world in 2014. ​Asked if she'd ever doubted she could make it back to the top​, Samuels said: “No.”

“I trained all year and was confident and positive, and it got to the major championships and I made it through qualifying rounds and was ready to go. I just missed the top 8 by 30 or 50cm last year, so it was pretty disappointing,” she said.

“​But you rise to the challenge, and you pick yourself up and get on with it because there is another challenge next year. This is where we are.

“This really means so much to me I have been training solely for this since last year, post Moscow world championship.

“This is something I have always wanted to achieve, and can hopefully I achieve a couple more.”